By Tosin Joseph
When I finished my Master’s in Public Health, I never imagined my journey would lead me to the heart of Nigeria’s tech ecosystem. Today, as a Product Manager at Reliance HMO, I see firsthand how unconventional backgrounds can drive innovation in technology and why our industry needs more people willing to make bold pivots.
The Unlikely Path: From Academia to Agile
My academic training was rooted in research, theory, and the slow churn of policy change. But the world I entered in Nigerian tech was anything but slow. Here, decisions are made quickly, often with incomplete information. The focus is on rapid problem-solving, user-centred design, and delivering value in short, iterative cycles.
The transition was not easy. I had to learn new frameworks, adapt to ambiguity, and bridge knowledge gaps, especially around technical feasibility and user experience. But my background in public health gave me a unique advantage: systems thinking. It helped me see the bigger picture, understand complex user needs, and design holistic solutions that truly matter.
The government’s recent push to expand digital skills training and the introduction of the Nigeria Startup Act in 2022 are helping to create a more conducive environment for growth.
Nigeria’s Tech Ecosystem: A Landscape in Transformation
Nigeria’s tech sector is now recognised as Africa’s leading innovation hub. As of September 2021, at least 481 tech startups were in operation across the country, employing over 19,000 people. Fintech is the most populated sector, with more than a third of Nigerian tech startups active in that vertical. Between January 2015 and Jan 2022, 383 Nigerian tech startups raised a combined $2.07 billion in funding, more than any other African country in that period. In half year of 2022 alone, Nigerian startups had already secured nearly $748 million.
Despite these achievements, the ecosystem faces significant challenges: persistent infrastructure issues, high inflation, and a shortage of technical talent. Yet, the resilience and creativity of Nigerian entrepreneurs continue to turn these obstacles into opportunities for innovation. The government’s recent push to expand digital skills training and the introduction of the Nigeria Startup Act in 2022 are helping to create a more conducive environment for growth.
Why Tech Needs More “Outsiders”
There’s a myth that you need to be a coder or engineer to make an impact in tech. My experience says otherwise. The most innovative solutions often come from those who see problems differently. My public health perspective allowed me to approach health insurance not just as a product, but as a tool for social good, making care more accessible, affordable, and user-friendly.
At Reliance HMO, I was drawn to how technology could transform health insurance through telemedicine, digital onboarding, and automated claims. These aren’t just technical features; they’re lifelines for people who have long been excluded from quality care.
This year, Reliance HMO expanded its reach to two countries, partnered with over 1,200 healthcare providers, and enrolled more than 101,000 new members, with over 130,000 telemedicine consultations delivered. Earlier in the year, Reliance also raised $40 million in Series B funding, the largest of its kind in an African healthtech startup.
The Value of Non-technical Backgrounds in Tech
Nigeria’s tech industry is increasingly open to professionals from nontechnical backgrounds. Roles in product management, digital marketing, and user experience design are in high demand, and companies are actively seeking talent with diverse skills.
My public health perspective allowed me to approach health insurance not just as a product, but as a tool for social good, making care more accessible, affordable, and user-friendly.
The industry values communication, analytical thinking, and domain expertise qualities often honed outside traditional tech fields. With the government’s new initiatives and the rise of tech hubs and boot camps, there are more pathways than ever for career switchers to enter the sector.
Lessons for the Next Generation of Tech Leaders
Looking back, three lessons stand out:
- Stay curious. The tech landscape evolves rapidly. Continuous learning is not optional—it’s essential.
- Empathy is everything. Whether in public health or product management, understanding real human experiences is the key to meaningful solutions.
- Relationships matter. Success in product roles depends on collaboration with diverse stakeholders. No one builds great products alone.
Advice for Nontechnical Aspirants
If you’re considering a pivot into tech from a nontechnical background, don’t underestimate the value of your domain expertise. Learn the language of technology, but remember: your unique perspective is your superpower. Innovation thrives on diversity of thought.
Start where you are. Growth comes from practice, curiosity, and a willingness to embrace new challenges. The Nigerian tech ecosystem and indeed, the global tech industry, need more trailblazers willing to chart their own course.
The future of technology in Nigeria will be shaped not just by engineers but by those who dare to bring new perspectives to old problems. Let’s welcome more unlikely trailblazers into the fold.
